The NFL industry deadline is Tuesday at 4 pm ET, and we’ve already spotted some big moves by teams as the future draws closer. Still, clubs can produce more screamers and add players they believe will support their squad.
On CBS Sports’ “With the First Pick” podcast, former NFL general manager Rick Spielman proposed six trades he could see happening before the industry deadline. From the sensible to the bold, Spielman explained his exciting work exploring what teams need and how they can fill those gaps.
Their six proposed trades are listed here:
- Kupp’s 2024 stats: 23 receptions, 198 yards, 2 touchdowns
In the same game, the Buccaneers lost Chris Godwin for the rest of the season and Mike Evans for a time with hamstring trauma. Quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Bucs can count on some additional weapons, and Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp is one way to fill that void. Spielman said if he were the Buccaneers, he would try to make a run at Kupp.
Even if the Bucs lost to the Atlanta Falcons last season, he believes Tampa Bay is still in the playoff race. He added that a great receiver could back him up in the competition.
“That would give them a chance to have a chance,” Spielman said. “They have an uphill battle, but it’s not over.”
Spielman noted that the team’s youth are improving, the running game is improving and Mayfield is playing well. So with some other weapon for the offense, the Buccaneers can pull off some additional wins. They currently sit at 4-4 and 2nd in the NFC South.
Spielman emphasized how big of a loss Godwin was and said the big receiver had, in his opinion, the best future of his career. Kupp could be a big compliment to Evans once he recovers from the hamstring trauma.
Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Liam Coen is also familiar with Kupp from their time together in Los Angeles.
All of this, in fact, depends on whether or not the Rams are willing to give up Kupp, which is much less likely than they would then disappoint the Minnesota Vikings in Time 8.
2. 49ers get DT or WR
- Joseph-Future stats in 2024: 9 solo tackles, 10 assisted tackles, 2.0 sacks
With Javon Hargrave out with a biceps trauma and the 49ers struggling on the run, the team might need a defensive strategy to protect the loss. Spielman would look for a Titans defensive option against Sebastian Joseph-Future, who would fit San Francisco’s scheme.
The other option for the Niners is to add a receiver. They have Ricky Pearsall, who was later shot in the chest during the offseason, but is still a rookie. They also have Deebo Samuel, who is an “explosive playmaker” but has “durability concerns,” according to Spielman.
- Younger’s 2024 stats: 523 passing yards, 2 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 19.3 QBR
In one of Spielman’s boldest takes, he suggested the Titans’ 2023 outlook is negative. 1 overall pick Bryce Younger. The recommendation drew some laughter from others on the podcast, but the former NFL general manager doubled down on I’m Sick, clearly explaining why this should happen.
“Will Levis is not the answer, is he? Mason Rudolph is not the answer, is he?” Spielman mentioned optimistically.
Spielman added that the Titans gave away Malik Willis, who he said is also the most productive quarterback in all the magnificence of the 2022 NFL Draft, so the team still needs someone who will also be the answer.
He believes that if Younger settles into the right conditions, he could thrive more than he did with the Carolina Panthers.
“I’d just explore it, that’s all I’m saying,” Spielman said. “I’m thinking outside the box.”
Spielman said the Titans want to estimate where they expect to fall in this future’s draft, along with the quarterbacks who might be available when they’re on the clock, to decide if taking a signal-caller would be best. than buying and selling for one.
In exchange for a refund, Spielman would give up no more than a fourth-round pick for Younger.
- Williams’ 2024 stats: 12 receptions, 166 yards
The Pittsburgh Steelers are first in their section and, as Spielman said, quarterback Russell Wilson “actually looks rejuvenated.” The team can count on another overweight person along with George Pickens, and Jets big receiver Mike Williams would have that bill.
Williams, when healthy, can reverse Pickens and “gives Russell another weapon.”
Spielman said the Steelers could acquire Williams for a “cup of coffee,” which he equated to a sixth- or seventh-round pick or a late-round pick in a draft.
When asked if he would prefer Williams or Adam Thielen, the former Vikings general manager admitted he is “very biased” against the former Minnesota receiver.
5. Jeans industry for Chuba Hubbard
- Hubbard’s 2024 stats: 118 carries for 593 yards and three touchdowns; 24 receptions for 108 yards and 1 landing
Carolina is on a “sale” date. Dallas is in a “dark place.” One trade that would work for either is running back Chuba Hubbard, who is on the tail end of his rookie deal, headed to the Cowboys. Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook aren’t the same as they once were, and the team is struggling to run the ball.
Spielman called Hubbard one of the Panthers’ “unsung heroes,” but added that because the staff is dwindling, the community doesn’t talk much about the running back.
“I think this guy would give them a great start in the run game with his vision and his power. And he can catch the ball out of the backfield,” Spielman said.
The former general manager noted that it doesn’t look like Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is going to build a business, but when he does, he’ll have to leave the younger job later. Hubbard is “underrated and underrated in the league,” Spielman said.
6. Lions climb the cross corridor
- Smith’s 2024 stats: 14 solo tackles, 8 assisted tackles, 5.0 sacks
- Ojulari’s 2024 stats: 11 solo tackles, 13 assisted tackles, 6.0 sacks
For starters, Spielman thought the Lions would pursue unused England Patriots running back Josh Uche before he was traded to the Kansas Town Chiefs.
“[The Lions are] I’m not going to reveal anything significant, I know,” Spielman mentioned, “but they have a really good team and they’re in their Super Bowl window right now, so maybe they’ll get out of character a little bit.”
Cleveland Browns defensive end Za’Darius Smith would serve as a veteran pass-rushing presence who could fill in for megastar defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who suffered season-ending leg trauma. Smith has “done that” and would add both the skill and management that Detroit can have.
“Cleveland is not going anywhere, I think they are finished,” Spielman said, so they might be more prepared to build an industry.
Spielman suggested the Lions trade their chances in the late round to acquire Smith.
The alternative option for Detroit could very well be to buy and sell unused York Giants linebacker Azeez Ojulari, who has been “on fire” in recent games, racking up tackles for loss, quarterback pressures and sacks.
Spielman said there will never be many crossover backs, so he doesn’t think the Giants will move on from him, but if they did, he would be a great fit for the Lions. However, I would no longer bet on unused Orleans Saints defensive end Chase Young.
